What is an Astrocytoma?

There are different types of Astrocytoma but I have not exactly been told what mine is.

What is it?

Astrocytomas are tumours that arise from astrocytes, astrocytes are star shaped cells that make up the “glue-like” or supportive tissue of the brain and spinal cord. While they are described as star shaped that is a basic description, if you look at images of them they basically have a central point followed by star shaped legs and then roots. It appears as though the tumours sit in the center of the astrocyte but I’m sure your consultant will be able to tell you more.

So, what types are there?

Below are descriptions of the various grades of these tumors:

• Pilocytic Astrocytoma (also called Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma)—These are grade I astrocytomas typically stay in the area where they started and do not spread. They are considered the “most benign” (noncancerous) of all the astrocytomas. Two other, less well known grade I astrocytomas are cerebellar astrocytoma and desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma. Pilocytic Astrocytomas generally form sacs of fluid (cysts), or may be enclosed within a cyst. Although they are usually slow-growing, these tumours can become very large.
• Diffuse Astrocytoma (also called Low-Grade or Astrocytoma Grade II) Types: Fibrillary, Gemistocytic, Protoplasmic Astrocytoma—These grade II astrocytomas tend to invade surrounding tissue and grow at a relatively slow pace. Diffuse Astrocytomas tend to contain microcysts and mucous-like fluid. They are grouped by the appearance and behavior of the cells for which they are named.
• Anaplastic Astrocytoma—An anaplastic astrocytoma is a grade III tumour. These rare tumours require more aggressive treatment than benign pilocytic astrocytoma. Anaplastic Astrocytomas tend to have tentacle-like projections that grow into surrounding tissue, making them difficult to completely remove during surgery.
• Astrocytoma Grade IV (also called Glioblastoma, previously named “Glioblastoma Multiforme,” “Grade IV Glioblastoma,” and “GBM”)— There are two types of astrocytoma grade IV—primary, or de novo, and secondary. Primary tumours are very aggressive and the most common form of astrocytoma grade IV. The secondary tumours are those which originate as a lower-grade tumour and evolve into a grade IV tumour. Astrocytoma Grade IV (glioblastoma) may contain cystic material, calcium deposits, blood vessels, and/or a mixed grade of cells.
• Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma—Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas are ventricular tumours associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Location 

Astrocytomas can appear in various parts of the brain and nervous system, including the cerebellum, the cerebrum, the central areas of the brain, the brainstem, and the spinal cord.

Symptoms

Headaches, seizures, memory loss, and changes in behavior are the most common early symptoms of astrocytoma. Other symptoms may occur depending on the size and location of the tumour. With my Astromcytoma being grade 2 I guess this is why I had plenty of headaches, mine was only found after having a major seizure that came on all of a sudden with no other seizures previously. My memory has always been bad so I can’t comment on that but maybe I’ve had it all my life as I’ve never had brain scans.

Cause

Like many tumour types, the exact cause of astrocytoma is not known.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type, size, and location of the tumour, if and how far it has spread, previous treatment received, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment methods for the various types of astrocytomas are briefly explained below.

• Pilocytic Astrocytoma: These tumours are often removed by surgery alone. In adults and older children, radiation may follow surgery if the tumour cannot be completely removed. Or, the patient may be watched carefully for signs that the tumour has returned.
• Diffuse Astrocytoma: If the tumour is accessible and can be completely removed, the only additional care required is follow-up scans. In adults and older children, radiation may be suggested in addition to surgery. Radiation may also be used to treat an unremovable low-grade astrocytoma. The role of chemotherapy in treating these tumours is being investigated. I my consultations I was told that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are unlikely to work.
• Anaplastic Astrocytoma: The first step in treatment of anaplastic astrocytoma is surgery. Radiation is then used to treat the remaining tumour. Chemotherapy may be recommended immediately after radiation or when and if the tumour recurs.
• Astrocytoma Grade IV: The first treatment step is surgery to remove as much tumor as possible. Surgery is almost always followed by radiation. Chemotherapy is often given at the same time as radiation and may be used to delay radiation in young children.

Tumour re-growth can be treated with additional surgery, another form of radiation, a different chemotherapy drug (or combination of drugs), or any number of new approaches to treatment currently in development.

With my Astrocytoma it is a wait and watch with MRI scans, 99% has been removed (debulking they call it) but it has not been followed up with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Like all tumours whether they are benign or cancerous, you never know if it’s “cured” but from my understanding in any of the cases you are just buying time, we all have to die I guess but some of us sooner than we’d like. If you are physically and mentally fit like me, we just carry on in the rat race with most of us doing jobs we don’t like to make our bosses happy and richer than us. Personally I would like to pack my job in and spend what time I have with my family but thats not financially viable.

I have been told I could have 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years left on this planet and I would like to hear stories of people living longer than 20 years after diagnosis. Those of you with grade 3 or 4 maybe reading this and thinking how lucky I am, I have told I am lucky, Really! none of us are lucky but some have more time than others.

It is now 26th November 2017 and I have an MRI scan on the 15th december while I won’t be updating this post, the result will be found blogs menu or in treatment section if I have bad news.

All of you who read this, I wish you all the best.